By Innocent Fowung (UK Correspondent)
This is a significant milestone Celebration for the Bakossi community in the United Kingdom. The 25th-anniversay took place on 29th November 2025 in Northampton. Central to this event was a cultural display and the second part was a fundraising gala.
The Bakossi people in the United Kingdom (UK), primarily represented by the All Bakossi Indigenes in the UK (ABI UK), celebrated their 25th anniversary in a significant milestone for the community from the Kupe-Muaneguba Division of the South West Region of Cameroon.
Welcoming members and their guests at the Gala Night by the president of ABI UK, Dr Patrick Alobwede, thanked everyone for coming “not just tonight, but for the journey that brought us to this moment. Today, we mark the Silver Jubilee of ABI UK, a Quarter Century of culture, community, and connection”. He thanked especially Mr/ Mrs Kepe for patronising this event and for their benevolent support towards homeland development. The president also appreciated the pioneer president Dr. J Ngole for setting the standard of a good leader for others to follow.
Celebrating 25 years of cultural preservation and community building is a significant achievement for any diaspora group, especially one as culturally rich as the Bakossi people. The Bakossi people, hailing from the lush, mountainous landscapes of the Kupe-Muanenguba Division, are known for their deep-rooted traditions, respect for the sacred forests (including the Twin Lakes of Muanenguba) and strong sense of communal identity.
Dr J Ngole, reflected on their journey when they first began in the year 2000. He said the goals of ABI UK were simple but profound – to create a “home away from home.” He said, “we wanted a space where our traditions could be passed to the next generation, and where the UK’s diverse landscape could be enriched by our unique cultural voice.” He elaborated a series of projects undertaken by ABI UK since its inception, which includes but not limited:
Cultural Preservation: For a quarter-century, the Bakossi indigenes in the UK have served a bridge for the younger generation born abroad that includes:
– Maintaining the Bakossi language (Akosse).
– Passing down traditional dances and folklore.
– Celebrating traditional rites and the significance of the “Ngoe” lineage.
Homeland Development: A major pillar for Cameroonians in the Diaspora is the “Home-town association” model. Over 25 years, this group has contributed in supporting Socio-economic projects back in the Kupe Muanenguba Division, which is known for its fertile land and iconic sites like the Mount Kupe and the Muanenguba Twin Lakes.
– Education: Scholarships and school renovations in Kupe -Muanenguba.
– Healthcare: Suppport for local clinics or medical missions.
– Infrastructure: Helping with water projects or community halls in their respective villages.
Community Building: The association serves as vital support system for its members, providing:
– Integration: Supporting families during times of happy moments or sad events such as bereavements.
Foster Unity: Creating a “home away from home” through annual conventions and cultural nights. Fostering unity among Bakossi “sons and daughters” living across the UK and the wider Diaspora, often through fundraising gala nights and cultural showcases. The ABI UK milestone coincided with a broader cultural resurgence within the tribe, such as the Bakossi Festival of Arts and Culture (BAFAC), which recently celebrated the tribe’s wisdom and heritage on a global stage.
One of the powerful ways to mark this 25th anniversary is by transitioning from a purely cultural celebration to a Fundraising Gala. The AB UK turned its “Silver Jubilee” into a Legacy of Hope for the next generation in Kupe-Muanenguba, given the current challenges in the South West region of Cameroon, such an initiative was timely and vital.
It was an incredible addition to the Black-Tie night, having Douleur (Alexandre Douala) performed at the ABI UK 25th Anniversary Gala in Nothampton was a major coup for the Bakossi community. Douleur is a legendary figure in Cameroon music, often referred to as the “King of Ngosso Blues” and a master of Makossa. His presence transformed a standard fundraising event into a historic cultural moment.
Douleur was the perfect choice for ABI UK due to his Mystery & Artistry talent. His music carries a deep emotional weight that resonates with the Cameroonian diaspora’s sense of nostalgia and “longing for home.” His appearance brought in cultural synergy, while the Bakossi people have their unique rhythms like the Ahon. Douleur’s mastry of the Ngosso and Sawa rhythms complement the costal-adjacent heritage of the Kupe Muanenguba region perfectly. His popular songs like “Musango, Abele, and Oh Shame” were anthems that brought multiple generations of Cameroonians to the dance floor, ensuring the “Black Tie” elegance of the gala eventually gave way to a vibrant celebration.